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“Morris, remember we talked about Azariah McIntyre’s book that I read? I read that in Professor Chadwick’s class,” I explained.

“I’ve used it every semester I taught because entrepreneurship is so vital to our community. His book details his family’s business from its inception. There aren’t many Black businesses that have a history like that,” Professor Chadwick said.

“I hope my business will have a legacy like that,” I thought out loud.

“Cam, do you own your own business?” Sallie asked.

“I am a hairstylist. I own a line of hair extensions and I create custom units for clients.”

“She does Lyrica’s hair,” Morris bumped me with his elbow and smiled.

“Really? Lyrica had this one brown hairstyle where the color was gradient but in layers…”

“I did that. People always ask about it.”

“That was amazing! I asked my stylist if she could replicate that for me,” Sallie said.

“Did she?”

“Girl…naw. She keeps acting like she is researching it,” Sallie laughed.

“The big secret to that style is…I ran out of hair and used what I had in my bag. It wasn’t supposed to look like that.”

“Are you serious?” Sallie said.

“Yes,” I laughed.

“Do you have your own salon?” Sallie asked.

“No, not yet. I am looking for a commercial building to house my salon suites.”

“Commercial building?” Professor Chadwick leaned in and asked.

“Yes, sir. It needs to be large enough to house at least ten separate small salons.”

“Like an office building but salons instead?” he responded.

“Yes sir, exactly like that. A lot of stylists would pay a little extra per month to have their own space but not have to worry about the overhead of owning or renting a whole building. Plus, when people are looking for a new stylist, they would potentially have ten or more in one building to choose from,” I explained.

“That’s genius,” Sallie said.

“It’s not an original idea. Salon suites are popping up all over the place. My friend has opened one in DC. We’ll name themSuite Dreams. Suite spelled S-u-i-t-e.

“I love the play on words,” Sallie said.

“Thank you. It’s just a lot that goes into starting a business from scratch,” I said.

“Have you thought about opening it through the revitalization project withThe Valentine Group?” Professor Chadwick said.

“There are a lot of incentives for small business owners through their new program. I don’t know all the particulars because it’s not my side of the house, but from what I’ve heard, they are great,” Morris said.

“Yes, they are. They are offering bonuses and construction credits to entrepreneurs. I’ve been asked to sit on the selection committee to find the businesses that will be offered the bonuses since it’s more applicants than there is space. I declined because I am better suited as a mentor to help people get to the committee,” Professor Chadwick said.

“There is also a small business grant that would go on top of the construction credits and other incentives. You should look into it,” Sallie added.

“They just opened up the submission window. I will send you the information,” Professor Chadwick said.

“I don’t know…” I started.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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